Yosemite's other grand canyon: deep, wild, and almost nobody goes there.
Yosemite's other grand canyon. Deeper and wilder than anything you'll see from Glacier Point, with a fraction of the people. The Tuolumne River carves through granite walls as you descend from high meadows into a canyon few visitors ever see. The waterfall at the bottom is one of the park's best-kept secrets. This route rewards strong hikers who want the feeling of real wilderness inside a famous national park.
Start: White Wolf
End: Tuolumne Meadows
Water: Tuolumne River
Long descent from White Wolf to the Tuolumne River canyon floor, losing roughly 4,350ft over the day while climbing a modest 600ft along the way. The lower canyon gets very hot by midday in summer; start at dawn. Pate Valley has lush campsites along the river at 3,800ft.
Water: Tuolumne River
Hike upstream through the deepest stretch of the canyon with the Tuolumne right beside you most of the way. Swimming holes are frequent and tempting, so don't overdo it early. Afternoon shade disappears fast in this canyon.
Water: Tuolumne River, Return Creek
Climb toward the waterfalls zone, where Muir Gorge forces the trail high above the river on exposed ledges. California Falls and LeConte Falls both thunder nearby. Camp in the trees above the Tuolumne before Glen Aulin.
Water: Tuolumne River, Glen Aulin
Pass Waterwheel Falls and hike through Glen Aulin to the High Sierra Camp. Continue to Tuolumne Meadows via the Rafferty Creek or Cold Canyon trail. Car shuttle or the seasonal YARTS Highway 120 East bus (stops at White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows, July–Sept) can get you back to your vehicle.
Swimming holes throughout the canyon
Car shuttle or YARTS bus needed; stream crossings can be dangerous early season; very hot in canyon during summer
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